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explain why not to buy used Ameda?

Ok - so...with my first, I didn't purchase a pump. I used the hospital one for the first several weeks for free because of my massive engorgement issues and then was able to borrow a Medela PIS from a very close, very trusted friend. I knew the risks of milk backup because it was an open system, but I also felt relatively safe because I knew her health history so well.

Now, with DD, I did buy a pump - but I bought one used from someone I don't know. I bought an Ameda Purely Yours double electric, but I purchased a completely new Hygeni-Kit - with all new parts - so the only part that is actually being re-used is the base.

I bought it assuming it was OK to buy used, because it was a closed system. Then I was told afterwards that even that isn't OK. I'm very confused as to why. I haven't used the pump yet (DD is due on 5/13) - so would like to get some clarity to this before I need to use it.

TIA for your help sorting this out.

Proud mama to Matthew Rory, born naturally 10/29/10, and mama to Callie Elisabeth, born naturally 5/15/12.

Re: explain why not to buy used Ameda?

Depending on how heavily the pump has been used it might not last terribly long. I have an Ameda Purely Yours (bought new) that I have been using three days a week (much less frequently over the summer) for the past (almost) 18 months, and it is definitely dying on me. As far as I know the worst case scenario is that you will need to buy a new pump sooner, possibly much sooner, than you would like. Hopefully not, but you just don't know with a used pump. I personally would not recommend buying a used Ameda for that reason alone. If your pumping output drops, be aware that the problem could very well be the pump.

Re: explain why not to buy used Ameda?

Re: explain why not to buy used Ameda?

Awesome!! Thank you ladies for your input. I wasn't sure if there was somehow, someway still some risk of actual contamination to the milk.

I'm not planning on pumping more than once a day or so, unless I have the same issues I had with DS..and even still - that only lasted the first 12 weeks or so. After that, I'm planning on only pumping once every day or two to have a small supply on hand in case I need it.

I suppose anything can happen, and if I need to pump more than that and the pump dies, I'll have to buy a new one....seeing as I already own this one. I was just worried I could harm my baby somehow...

Thanks again!!

Proud mama to Matthew Rory, born naturally 10/29/10, and mama to Callie Elisabeth, born naturally 5/15/12.

Re: explain why not to buy used Ameda?

I think used pumps are like used cars. Most people who buy a car with 150,000 miles on it aren't going to get much more use out of it, even if they sink a lot of money into rehabbing it. But here and there you'll find someone who got another lifetime out of a used machine- like my parents did with their '63 Chevy truck that kept running well into the 1980s, and like djs.mom did with the heavily used APY.